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How to tell your teenager you are moving?

June 20, 2018

If you’re moving house and you have a few kids, telling them about the relocation will have to be a delicate task. Hence, as a company which offers cross country moving services NYC, we want to offer a few tips. We have compiled the advice we’ve learned and heard from a number of our customers. They have all gone through the experience of their teen shutting them out or throwing a tantrum. So, straight from reliable New Jersey movers, here’s how to tell your teenager you are moving. We hope that our tips help you break the news in an easy way.

Know the right time and way to tell your kids about the relocation

Children don’t like change, especially if they’re in school. And, if they’ve hit their teens you’ve already probably tasted the infamous teenage rebellion.Hence, when you tell your teenager you are moving, you’re going to have to be careful. You should tell them about the relocation in a tender way. We suggest informing them about moving to New York at least a month in advance, as you start your preparations. Remember to focus on the positives, too. Prepare a few pros and cons and inform your teen honestly about them. In the end, adolescents want to be treated like adults. So, if you think that they are ready, do so. Involve them in the moving process by asking them for advice. But, we will get to that point in a little bit. For now, select a time and place when your teen isn’t stressed by anything else and have an honest chat. Then, when you tell your teenager you are moving they won’t be as angry about the decision as they would be if you wait for the last minute.

Expect a reaction after you tell your teenager you are moving house

Expect a loud and dramatic reaction after you tell your teenager you are moving.

You should keep in mind that teenagers are going through biological development at the moment. This means that they are prone to reacting more ‘dramatically’ than children of any other age. So, expect some form of reaction after you tell your teenager you are moving. In most cases, there will be heavy metal music involved, an outrage and a lot of shouting. However, as long-distance movers NYC we’ve also seen teens who have taken it in stride, opting to look on the bright side. The only reaction you should be extra cautious about is no reaction at all. If your child just shuts down and doesn’t give you a bit of an outburst, it’s a bad sign. In this case, we suggest consulting a professional NYC psychologist. Then, they can evaluate the situation and tell you how to proceed in order to solve the problem. All in all, if you tell your teenager you are moving in a proper way, this can be avoided. But, we still have a few tips for you.

It’s important that you tell your teen the reasons for the relocation

As we’ve mentioned, teenagers like to be considered as adults. So, when you tell your teenager you are moving, have a game plan. There are a few answers to important questions you should give them right away in order to give them a clear picture. And, remember to see if they have any additional questions of their own. Of course, it’s essential that your teen knows that they can stay in touch with their old friends back home.

Tell your kid that they will be able to keep in touch with their friends after relocating.

For starters, here are a few pointers:

Why are we moving? If you want your teen to be open to this relocation, giving them a legitimate reason for the move is essential. So, when you tell your teenager you are moving house explain it to them transparently.

When are we moving? Telling your kid in advance that you’re relocating is always a good idea. It gives them time to process the huge changes and throw a tantrum or two. Be open-minded at these times, of course. Try to reason your way through it, even if there are phrases like ‘I hate you’ involved. Remember that it’s all the hormones.

Compile the pros. When approaching a troublesome topic like moving house, it’s a good idea to have some perks at hand. Whether it’s a new language, bigger house or some other kind of ‘bribe’, have them ready. This will make your teen much more agreeable when they receive the news.

Expect your child to bargain when they learn about the relocation

Teenagers are close to their peers, keep in mind that they won’t be happy about leaving them behind.

During their teen years, most kids form strong bonds with their peers. So, they won’t be too happy about leaving them behind. That is why you should expect some bargaining after you tell your teenager you are moving. They will beg to stay behind on their own, live with their friends until the end of high school or any other option. And, when they realize that the relocation will happen regardless of their wishes, expect the last act of rebellion. They will ask for a pet. If they don’t, consider using this as your own bargaining chip.

Should you refuse this as soon as you tell your teenager you are moving? If there is no way you can keep a pet in your new home, say maybe. It’s a bridge to no which will serve its purpose during the moving process. But, if you do have the means to keep a pet, give in. A puppy is a usual ask, so we advise that you check out some breeds beforehand. There are plenty of family-friendly dog breeds which can easily be kept in-house.

Getting a puppy might be giving in, but it can also be made into a pro.

And, a pet is actually a great idea after moving house with a teenager. It gives your teen something to focus on and care for. Also, having a dog is a great way to get familiar with the neighborhood and meet some new people. After all, there is such a thing as an unspoken ‘dog owners’ club’. Hence, we advise this as a method of bargaining after you tell your teenager you are moving house. In case you can’t keep a dog, consider something smaller, but still affectionate. Cats are independent and a good idea, especially in NYC. Remember to tell your teen that their pet will be their responsibility.

Now that we’ve given you a few tips on how to tell your teenager you are moving house, we wish you luck. Prepare for the storm and get your bargaining chips in order.